New Player seeking advice.

[TXW]

Well here it goes.
Me and my bud are looking to get into the game, and on this server to boot (after some advice from a nother forum). Me and his are pretty heavey games, and I am a old WOW player (recently retired though ), so I understand party dynamics and the such. This said I want to be a party healer and am looking into a possible whm/rdm, sch/whm mix. (Advice on class would be awesome). My problem is that I have heard Whm and possibly all healing in FF is macro extensive and was wondering if the 360 version of the game holds and handles macros well enough to heal not only well but great. Additionaly this game has very little form or guide with what I heard is a step learning curve and thus would enjoy having someone give me pointers on the essentials, such as currency raising and leveling etc.

Sorry to be such a info hog but I really want to get into this game and want as a smooth start as possible.

Regards TXW.

 

[Elixer]

White Mage, at later levels, can be heavily macro-intensive. But it also varies on what the party ends up being like. Some parties, you won't do much (rare, but it happens - I've had it occur in double NIN tank parties, post 50, as almost all I did was Haste the party). Other parties, you'll be on your toes removing status effects, keeping up bar spells, waking up sleeping party members, etc etc. After a while, it's a matter of getting yourself into a cycle of what you are doing. This tends to happen after level 40, when you really start getting into the enhancing spells (Haste, Bar spells, Regen II/III, etc).
I have the 360 version and it handles macros just like all the other versions - 20 books with 10 sets per book and 20 macros per set. Quite a few macros, isn't it? I think it holds up well to get the job done. I only use about 5 or so sets in one book for WHM, currently. But I also have almost all of my spells in it, since that way, I'll be ready for virtually anything.
As for a learning curve, all I have to say is that this game is a Final Fantasy - it's going to have its tough times and is mostly party-oriented. As for making money.. starting off, it's good to sell virtually everything you have to NPCs when you initially start. Of course, this is until you are comfortable using the Auction House. There's a bit of a trick to selling items - find out what will give you the most efficient way of making money.
Looking at the Auction House, it's good to look at how much something it selling for and how often it is selling. If it's maybe selling a stack once every couple days, you'd probably be better off selling it to an NPC or finding out if it'll give you fame by turning it in via quests. Most quests will give you gil in return, so it's a double plus - money and reputation all in one! Now, if an item is selling pretty fast (i.e. you see that every single item in the price history has been sold that day) and it sells for a good price, it's probably best to sell it on the Auction House. However, some items do still sell better to an NPC for gil over the Auction House - do some research, and you'll be set.
Leveling up is a bit of a task, especially when it comes to finding out how to do things. When you start off, you'll pretty much solo your way up to around level 10 for most jobs. After that, you'll be working on getting into parties. All I can say is do your best and don't get upset if you mess up as you are new. It happens to everyone when they start off. I know I was nervous when I first partied as my White Mage, as I wasn't sure if I'd make a mistake or something. Now, I did have my hardships, but I also have my memories of happiness. You'll run into times when everything seems to go wrong, but just keep at it and don't let the peanut gallery get to you (people who will yell at you that you don't know how to do your job right, etc etc then kick you out without warning). Best way to handle it is to shrug your shoulders and continue on as well as you can. Even later on, problems can arise that are beyond your control - all you can do is do your best.
One very good resource to look up is FFXIclopedia. It's got a lot of information. Pace yourself and do your best not to get overwhelmed. It may seem like a lot at first, but as you go, you'll get a handle on it.
Hope to see you in game!